Purpose: This indoor game teaches aggressive baserunning, the art of the rundown, and force outs. Coach’s would recommend to have rundown practices as a Softball Coaching Tip.

Procedure: Have Three gym mats, home plate, rubber ball and bat for this drill. Spread the mats across a gym floor for bases. Each hitter has a 3-and-2 count. The defense must stand around the gym with everyone behind the pitcher. At least one player must be playing each infield position including catcher. The instructor is the pitcher and umpire. Outs are recorded just as in a real game. Runs are scored for each base touched, instead of having to touch all four. The base runner must stay on the bag once the pitcher retrieves the ball (i.e on the rubber) innings end after the third out. There is no limit to the number of runners on a single base. Advancement is voluntary. However, you cannot pass a runner in front of you. A player is safe while standing on a base. Fielders can tag out any runner with the ball (“Indian Rubber” is allowed with a softball thrown below the waist). Force outs can only occur at first base.

Then try this game another way. After a hit, the batter keeps running until hearing “stop”. Innings can last for three batters or the entire offensive team. The fielding team must retrieve the ball everyone must touch the ball and then yell “stop”. After a few times around, ask the kids to think of better ways to work together. They first may have thrown the ball to each person. Then someone may have run around to touch each person with the ball. The goal is for everyone to run to the person who catches the ball, form a circe, and for each person to touch the ball. The hitting team (after contact) could also be scoring runs by sprinting wall to wall. Each touched wall is a run. Instead of running do push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, or anything building stamina, endurance and strength.

Purpose: If a hitter expects to execute a game, one needs to practice those plays beforehand. It’s very important to practice different game situations because it’s easier for players to recall and execute a play when done during practice. These are good coaching softball tips for fall.

Procedure: You will be needed a Pitching machine, batting cage, bats, balls and helmets. Simulate the many offensive strategies while batting against a pitching machine. Each discipline may call for a different batting grip, body alignment, position in the batter’s box, and strength of swing. Use the following strategy. Progress in numerical order.

Sacrifice Bunt: Bunt a strike away from the pitcher,

Drag Sunt: Bunt a strike close to the foul line.

Squeeze Bunt: Bunt any pitch on the ground.

Hit-and-Run: Swing down at any pitch, and hit it on the ground.

Move the Runner to next base: Hit a strike to the right side.

Sacrifice Fly: Loft a ball to the outfield.

Line Drive: Rip a strike up the middle.

Try this game (older players) with a verbal command (particular play) just as the ball is pitched shout out from between the pitching machine wheels. The batter must be quiet and decisive just as in a regular game. If a batter is unsuccessful in executing a play, the next person hits. You can also perform “Name That Play against a live pitcher. With hitting groups in the cage, have three stations; 1) live batting with the above scenario, 2) deciphering offensive signals from a coach (say what was called), and 3) standing in against a pitcher throwing on the side (no swinging).

Purpose: Create a fast-moving hit-and-run game in the gymnasium. Fielders better be awake for those “rips” right at them and the ricochets off of the walls. Offensive plays should be part of practice so we can start making things happen during games.

Procedure: This drill will need tennis balls, bats, gloves, helmets, and pitching screen. Start by providing a brief instruction of the hit-and-run play; swing at anything, use a shorter swing, and aim to hit ground balls to the opposite field. To start the drill have one batter at a time (standing in front of a wall) with a pitcher standing behind the screen near the middle of the gym. No catchers. Scatter all fielders behind the pitcher. Expect all types of pitches: fastballs, curveballs, change-ups, and pitches high, low, inside, outside, overland and sidearm. Stress making contact at all times.

Start with seven swings a piece and then rotate. After a catch, roll balls off to the side, or to the vacated area in front of the pitcher. This keeps the game moving along with fielders focused on the hitter. Diving is encouraged. Have a second round when the batter stays up until he/she fails to execute the hit-and-run. Award bonus swings for hits to the opposite field. During the switch of batters (safety purposes) continually yell, “Watch the hitter!”

Purpose: If a hitter expects to execute in a game, one needs to practice those plays before hand. Being aggressive and being prepared offensively will help in making things happen during games.

Procedure: You will need a pitching machine, batting cage, bats, balls and helmets. Simulate the many offensive strategies while batting against a pitching machine. Each discipline may call for a different batting grip, body alignment, position at the batter’s box, and strength of swing. Use the following strategy. Progress in numerical order.

1. Sacrifice Bunt: Bunt a strike away from the pitcher,

2. Drag Sunt: Bunt a strike close to the foul line.

3. Squeeze Bunt: Bunt any pitch on the ground.

4. Hit-ar.d-Run: Swing down at any pitch, and hit it on the ground.

5. Move the Runner to the Next Base: Hit a strike to the right side.

6. Sacrifice Fly: Loft a ball to the outfield.

7. Line Drive: Rip a strike up the middle.

Try this game (older players) with a verbal command (particular play) just as the ball is shot out from between the pitching machine wheels. The batter must be quiet and decisive just as in a regular game. If a batter is unsuccessful in executing a play, the next person hits. You can also perform “Name That Play” against a live pitcher. With hitting groups in the cage, have three stations; 1) live batting with the above scenario, 2) deciphering offensive signals from a coach (say what was called), and 3) standing in against a pitcher throwing on the side (no swinging).